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  • 6/15/14

    Happy Father's Day!

    Fathers play an important role in making our families and our communities strong, so today I applaud them. Father’s Day is a special time for us to recognize the investments fathers make in our lives, and I celebrate the impact my own dad had in shaping who I am today. I thank him and all fathers for their sacrifices; their words of wisdom and encouragement; and their support through good times and bad.  

    While dads are celebrated all across our country, this holiday is particularly special to Eastern Washington, where Sonora Smart Dodd, the Spokane woman who set out to honor her father became the visionary for this national holiday. We take great pride in that first Father’s Day celebration in 1910, which took place right here in our own backyard, but more than that, we take great pride in all that this holiday represents -- love of family, gratitude, and commitment. I honored this Eastern Washington holiday on the House Floor this week, and I hope you’ll watch by clicking here. 

    Wishing you a very happy Father’s Day!

    Comments(0)

  • 5/26/14

    This Day of Remembrance

    We may celebrate Memorial Day on this particular day, but we honor and remember our fallen military heroes every single day.As I reflect on the countless sacrifices our servicemen and women have made for our country, let us honor the brave Americans who gave their lives serving in our Armed Forces, including our guardsmen and reservists. Let us thank them for their service and honor them for protecting our freedom.

    We are a nation built by great leaders – leaders whose vision for Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness has survived world wars and terrorist attacks. Our founders believed deeply in freedom for all, and our servicemen and women have preserved that freedom through times of turmoil and times of peace with great sacrifice. As we remember our military heroes – with unwavering respect and solemn appreciation – let us come together, as Americans, to continue preserving and protecting this great nation.

    There are no words powerful enough to express my profound gratitude to our military families for the sacrifices made to keep America strong, so on this Memorial Day I simply say thank you.  

    May God bless you and may He continue to bless America!
     

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  • 5/20/14

    Honoring National Military Appreciation Month

    Our military members make countless sacrifices every day – sacrifices many of us cannot begin to imagine. They put their lives on the line for our freedom and our safety, and they do it expecting nothing in return. This month marks National Military Appreciation Month, and I would like to take time to honor the brave Americans who serve in our Armed Forces, including our guardsmen and reservists, and I would like to remember the heroes who have died while serving our country. They made the ultimate sacrifice so that our children can sleep safe at night, and there are no words strong enough to express my profound gratitude to these fallen soldiers and to their families.

    As the co-founder of the Military Family Caucus, I know that when a service member joins the military, it’s not just a job; it’s a family commitment to our country. It’s a commitment complete with sleepless nights and frequent moves, with learning curves and insurmountable stress. Military spouses deserve our great appreciation for their strength and their loyalty.

    As the House considers the National Defense Authorization Act this week, I want to encourage the Secretary of Defense to continue working to reduce the unemployment and underemployment of military spouses and support closing the wage gap between military spouses and their civilian counterparts.

    This month I offer great thanks and appreciation to our military men and women and their families -- because they deserve our gratitude for the sacrifices they have made, and they are essential to keeping America safe. Yes, May marks National Military Appreciation Month, but really, every month the members of our military – and their families -- should be celebrated, appreciated, and thanked for the commitment they have made.

    This week I had the opportunity to honor National Military Appreciation Month on the Floor. Please click here if you would like to watch the video. 

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  • 5/12/14

    Supporting Better Opportunities for Eastern Washington Students

    A strong, quality education is essential for our children to grow, learn, and succeed – and charter schools provide that important foundation. Last week, I voted to open the doors to students so they can attend charter schools, ensuring them the opportunity for a better future.

    By arming parents with the ability to meet their children’s needs – particularly those students who are disadvantaged, have special needs, or are English Language Learners – we can better ensure a quality education for children in Eastern Washington and across America. And I am proud that Washington state will see the doors to its first charter school open next fall! 

    As a mom myself, I know firsthand the benefits of a charter school education. A few years ago, my son Cole, who was born with Down syndrome, was enrolled in a charter school and he flourished. His school provided him with a quality education that was targeted to meet his specific needs -- which is a choice all parents should have when it comes to the education of their children.

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  • 5/5/14

    Honoring Chaplain Ben Vegors

     

    It was a great honor to celebrate the retirement of Chaplain Benjamin Vegors, whose forty years of service to our nation’s veterans offers great inspiration for us all. A dedicated servant, Chaplain Vegors spent countless hours counseling and caring for our veterans throughout the Pacific Northwest, and leaves an indelible legacy. I am truly humbled by his commitment to our country.

     

    A World War II veteran, Chaplain Vegors served in the Army Air Corp from 1942-1945, serving as a tail gunner in B24 Liberator bombers flying 30 missions over Germany and Austria. He often tells of a mission over Germany when two of his plane’s engines were shot out. Chaplain Vegors made a midair commitment that if he survived, he would serve God for the rest of his life —and he stayed true to his word.

     

    After the war, Chaplain Vegors went to Seminary at Multnomah Bible College in Portland. Years later, he met Jim Dennis, the Chaplain at the Walla Walla VA Hospital, which led to a chaplaincy appointment with the VA and eventually to a part-time chaplaincy position.

     

    In 1972, he was appointed as a full-time chaplain. Just ask anyone who has received his counsel, and you’ll see the tremendous impact he’s had on so many lives. After 42 years of service as Chaplain of the Jonathan M. Wainwright Memorial VA Medical Center in Walla Walla, Chaplain Vegors retired this April. Knowing he has made a difference in countless veterans’ lives, Ben once said that he would serve for a thousand years if he could!

     

    A man of integrity and principle, his humility and impact on Eastern Washington’s veterans and on America will long be remembered. It was a tremendous honor to thank Chaplain Vegors for a lifetime of dedicated service.

    Comments(0)

  • 2/14/14

    McMorris Rodgers Speaks with National Rural Health Association

    Recently, I had the honor of kicking-off the National's Rural Health Association's annual convention. Rural health care is one of my top priorities in Congress. After growing up in a rural community in Eastern Washington, I know the difficult challenges rural hospitals and clinic face - and all too often, these challenges are overlooked. As the Co-Chair of the Congressional Rural Health Coalition, I am committed to changing that. You can read my full remarks from the convention below.

    • Good morning! It’s a pleasure to be here with you today to discuss one of the most important issues facing America’s rural community –access to affordable health care.
    • I’d like to begin by thanking the National Rural Health Association for its outstanding leadership and its commitment to advancing the dialogue on rural health issues.  
    • I also want to thank my friend Nancy Vorhees, who is here today from from Spokane, Washington, in the district that I represent. I am so happy that you’re here.
     
    • And of course, I’d like to thank all of you - for all that you do- especially for taking the time to come to Washington, DC. It is so important for Members of Congress to hear from you about the issues facing your businesses and your communities. 
     
    • The work we do in Washington cannot be done without your voice and without your leadership.
     
    • You see, I grew up in a rural community in Eastern Washington. 
     
    • And, as you know, rural communities face very different challenges than urban communities – and all too often, their needs are vastly overlooked.
    • As the Co-Chair of the Congressional Rural Health Care Coalition, I can assure you that I’m committed to changing that. 
    • Rural health initiatives have been and will continue to be a priority of mine in Congress. Back when I worked in the Washington State legislature, I worked to improve access to medical care through critical access hospitals. Years later, protecting critical access hospitals is still a priority of mine on a federal level.
     
    • In Congress, I want to use the Rural Health Coalition to educate members of Congress and their staff about the unique challenges to access to healthcare in rural communities. 
    • The numbers speak for themselves. The physician to population ratio is stark: only approximately 10% of physicians practice in rural areas, even though almost one-quarter of the population lives there. And that’s only part of the story.  Whether it’s an issue of physicians, ambulatory services, reimbursements, or hospital care, the fact remains: rural communities face a tremendous disadvantage when it comes to access to health care. 
    • This is unacceptable.  
    • The needs of rural residents are no less important than the needs of those living in urban communities.
    • When I look at my own district of Eastern Washington – comprising of many rural farm communities – I see thousands of residents who often struggle to access quality health care. 
    • And I refuse to let this continue.
    • I am here today to tell you – to assure you – that addressing the needs of rural communities is one of my top priorities in Congress. 
    • The first step in achieving better care for everyone is access.
     
    • I’ve co-sponsored a set of telehealth bills that will allow rural clinics to treat most conditions, from broken bones to pre-operation for specialized surgery. It also allows Medicare patients to reach a provider in a different city or state – all by utilizing technology.
     
    • By bringing in more doctors, whether it’s by phone or in person, we can improve the access as well as the care for patients.
    • In Washington State, there are 39 Critical Access Hospitals—12 of which are in my district. As such, I recognize the essential role that they play in caring for rural America and want to secure their future. 
     
    • However, recently, Critical Access Hospitals have been put in the cross-hairs for payment cuts on many levels. 
     
    • After years of interpreting the 96 hour rule as the average stay in a Critical Access Hospital for a year, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has decided to clarify this rule. Under the new clarification, if one patient stays over 96 hours, the hospital will not be paid for that visit. 
     
    • Previously, CMS would have paid for that stay if the average stay per patient was less than 96 hours. So hospitals are faced with the decision of discharging a patient at 96 hours or eating the bill.
    • I have heard from people in my district regarding this change. And I am currently working with Oregon Rep. Greg Walden to introduce a bill that will eliminate this 96 hour rule as a condition of payment, but not as a condition of participation.
    • And this legislation is just the beginning.  I will do all that I can to continue addressing the challenges and supporting the needs of residents in rural communities.  
    • While rural communities face unique challenges to health care access, I am optimistic that this WILL change.  
    • And the REASON this will change is because of all of you.
    • Thank you again for all of your hard work and your commitment to this very important cause.  You are an integral part of this debate, and I am proud and honored to be part of it with you.
    • Thank you and God bless you!
    • Good morning! It’s a pleasure to be here with you today to discuss one of the most important issues facing America’s rural community –access to affordable health care.
    • I’d like to begin by thanking the National Rural Health Association for its outstanding leadership and its commitment to advancing the dialogue on rural health issues.  
    • I also want to thank my friend Nancy Vorhees, who is here today from from Spokane, Washington, in the district that I represent. I am so happy that you’re here.
     
    • And of course, I’d like to thank all of you - for all that you do- especially for taking the time to come to Washington, DC. It is so important for Members of Congress to hear from you about the issues facing your businesses and your communities. 
     
    • The work we do in Washington cannot be done without your voice and without your leadership.
     
    • You see, I grew up in a rural community in Eastern Washington. 
     
    • And, as you know, rural communities face very different challenges than urban communities – and all too often, their needs are vastly overlooked.
    • As the Co-Chair of the Congressional Rural Health Care Coalition, I can assure you that I’m committed to changing that. 
    • Rural health initiatives have been and will continue to be a priority of mine in Congress. Back when I worked in the Washington State legislature, I worked to improve access to medical care through critical access hospitals. Years later, protecting critical access hospitals is still a priority of mine on a federal level.
     
    • In Congress, I want to use the Rural Health Coalition to educate members of Congress and their staff about the unique challenges to access to healthcare in rural communities. 
    • The numbers speak for themselves. The physician to population ratio is stark: only approximately 10% of physicians practice in rural areas, even though almost one-quarter of the population lives there. And that’s only part of the story.  Whether it’s an issue of physicians, ambulatory services, reimbursements, or hospital care, the fact remains: rural communities face a tremendous disadvantage when it comes to access to health care. 
    • This is unacceptable.  
    • The needs of rural residents are no less important than the needs of those living in urban communities.
    • When I look at my own district of Eastern Washington – comprising of many rural farm communities – I see thousands of residents who often struggle to access quality health care. 
    • And I refuse to let this continue.
    • I am here today to tell you – to assure you – that addressing the needs of rural communities is one of my top priorities in Congress. 
    • The first step in achieving better care for everyone is access.
     
    • I’ve co-sponsored a set of telehealth bills that will allow rural clinics to treat most conditions, from broken bones to pre-operation for specialized surgery. It also allows Medicare patients to reach a provider in a different city or state – all by utilizing technology.
     
    • By bringing in more doctors, whether it’s by phone or in person, we can improve the access as well as the care for patients.
    • In Washington State, there are 39 Critical Access Hospitals—12 of which are in my district. As such, I recognize the essential role that they play in caring for rural America and want to secure their future. 
     
    • However, recently, Critical Access Hospitals have been put in the cross-hairs for payment cuts on many levels. 
     
    • After years of interpreting the 96 hour rule as the average stay in a Critical Access Hospital for a year, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has decided to clarify this rule. Under the new clarification, if one patient stays over 96 hours, the hospital will not be paid for that visit. 
     
    • Previously, CMS would have paid for that stay if the average stay per patient was less than 96 hours. So hospitals are faced with the decision of discharging a patient at 96 hours or eating the bill.
    • I have heard from people in my district regarding this change. And I am currently working with Oregon Rep. Greg Walden to introduce a bill that will eliminate this 96 hour rule as a condition of payment, but not as a condition of participation.
    • And this legislation is just the beginning.  I will do all that I can to continue addressing the challenges and supporting the needs of residents in rural communities.  
    • While rural communities face unique challenges to health care access, I am optimistic that this WILL change.  
    • And the REASON this will change is because of all of you.
    • Thank you again for all of your hard work and your commitment to this very important cause.  You are an integral part of this debate, and I am proud and honored to be part of it with you.
    • Thank you and God bless you!

    Good morning! It’s a pleasure to be here with you today to discuss one of the most important issues facing America’s rural community –access to affordable health care.

    I’d like to begin by thanking the National Rural Health Association for its outstanding leadership and its commitment to advancing the dialogue on rural health issues. 

    I also want to thank my friend Nancy Vorhees, who is here today from from Spokane, Washington, in the district that I represent. I am so happy that you’re here.

    And of course, I’d like to thank all of you - for all that you do- especially for taking the time to come to Washington, DC. It is so important for Members of Congress to hear from you about the issues facing your businesses and your communities.

    The work we do in Washington cannot be done without your voice and without your leadership.

    You see, I grew up in a rural community in Eastern Washington.

    And, as you know, rural communities face very different challenges than urban communities – and all too often, their needs are vastly overlooked.

    As the Co-Chair of the Congressional Rural Health Care Coalition, I can assure you that I’m committed to changing that.

    Rural health initiatives have been and will continue to be a priority of mine in Congress. Back when I worked in the Washington State legislature, I worked to improve access to medical care through critical access hospitals. Years later, protecting critical access hospitals is still a priority of mine on a federal level.

    In Congress, I want to use the Rural Health Coalition to educate members of Congress and their staff about the unique challenges to access to healthcare in rural communities.

    The numbers speak for themselves. The physician to population ratio is stark: only approximately 10% of physicians practice in rural areas, even though almost one-quarter of the population lives there. And that’s only part of the story.  Whether it’s an issue of physicians, ambulatory services, reimbursements, or hospital care, the fact remains: rural communities face a tremendous disadvantage when it comes to access to health care.

    This is unacceptable. 

    The needs of rural residents are no less important than the needs of those living in urban communities.

    When I look at my own district of Eastern Washington – comprising of many rural farm communities – I see thousands of residents who often struggle to access quality health care.

    And I refuse to let this continue.

    I am here today to tell you – to assure you – that addressing the needs of rural communities is one of my top priorities in Congress.

    The first step in achieving better care for everyone is access.

    I’ve co-sponsored a set of telehealth bills that will allow rural clinics to treat most conditions, from broken bones to pre-operation for specialized surgery. It also allows Medicare patients to reach a provider in a different city or state – all by utilizing technology.

    By bringing in more doctors, whether it’s by phone or in person, we can improve the access as well as the care for patients.

    In Washington State, there are 39 Critical Access Hospitals—12 of which are in my district. As such, I recognize the essential role that they play in caring for rural America and want to secure their future.

    However, recently, Critical Access Hospitals have been put in the cross-hairs for payment cuts on many levels.

    After years of interpreting the 96 hour rule as the average stay in a Critical Access Hospital for a year, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has decided to clarify this rule. Under the new clarification, if one patient stays over 96 hours, the hospital will not be paid for that visit.

    Previously, CMS would have paid for that stay if the average stay per patient was less than 96 hours. So hospitals are faced with the decision of discharging a patient at 96 hours or eating the bill.

    I have heard from people in my district regarding this change. And I am currently working with Oregon Rep. Greg Walden to introduce a bill that will eliminate this 96 hour rule as a condition of payment, but not as a condition of participation.

    And this legislation is just the beginning.  I will do all that I can to continue addressing the challenges and supporting the needs of residents in rural communities. 

    While rural communities face unique challenges to health care access, I am optimistic that this WILL change. 

    And the reason this will change is because of all of you.

    Thank you again for all of your hard work and your commitment to this very important cause.  You are an integral part of this debate, and I am proud and honored to be part of it with you.

    Thank you and God bless you!

    Comments(0)

  • 1/31/14

    McMorris Rodgers and House Leaders Send Letter To President Obama Following SOTU Urging Action On Common Ground

    Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Speaker John Boehner, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, and Whip Kevin McCarthy recently sent the following letter to President Obama urging the Obama Administration to work with the House this year on areas of common ground to help build an America that works for everyone.

    Dear Mr. President,

    In your State of the Union address on Tuesday night you said, "let's make this a year of action." We agree. Of course, under our Constitution, most action requires the Congress and the President to work together. Naturally, we don't agree with all of the proposals you outlined in your speech, but where there is the potential for agreement we believe it is critical that we come together to advance the interests of the American people. In that spirit, we have identified four initial areas covered in your speech where the House has already acted and we believe we can work together without delay. In each area, a House-passed bill is already sitting in the Senate so there is no reason for further delay.

    Skills Training

    On Tuesday night you stated:

    So tonight, I’ve asked Vice President Biden to lead an across-the-board reform of America’s training programs to make sure they have one mission: train Americans with the skills employers need, and match them to good jobs that need to be filled right now. That means more on-the-job training, and more apprenticeships that set a young worker on an upward trajectory for life. It means connecting companies to community colleges that can help design training to fill their specific needs. And if Congress wants to help, you can concentrate funding on proven programs that connect more ready-to-work Americans with ready-to-be-filled jobs.

    We agree, and we don’t believe we need to wait. Last March, the House of Representatives passed the SKILLS Act which would consolidate the myriad of federal job training programs to focus resources on the programs that work, more closely link employment training to available jobs, eliminate red tape that delays individuals from receiving the training they need, and strengthen the relationship between community colleges and job training programs. The SKILLS Act was endorsed by governors, associations representing employers, and community colleges. Unfortunately, the Senate has yet to even debate this proposal.

    The General Accounting Office has already produced the review you asked for on Tuesday evening. If you want action, we respectfully request that you or the Vice President urge Senator Reid to schedule this legislation for immediate consideration in the Senate and convene a meeting of the relevant parties as soon as possible so that we may resolve any differences that exist and send you a bill for your signature by the end of February.

    Natural Gas

    On Tuesday night you stated:

    Now, one of the biggest factors in bringing more jobs back is our commitment to American energy….One of the reasons why is natural gas – if extracted safely, it’s the bridge fuel that can power our economy with less of the carbon pollution that causes climate change. Businesses plan to invest almost $100 billion in new factories that use natural gas. I’ll cut red tape to help states get those factories built…

    We agree. Increased natural gas production is good for the economy and good for jobs, including, as you note, in the area of manufacturing. In addition, areas of this country with a high demand of natural gas for electricity generation have already seen massive spikes in price, in part due to a shortage of natural gas pipeline capacity.

    That is why, in November, the House passed the bipartisan Natural Gas Pipeline Permitting Reform Act. This legislation would cut red tape to ensure that pipelines can be built to connect our growing natural gas supplies with the new manufacturing plants you spoke of in your speech. To date, the Senate has not acted on this important proposal. We respectfully request that you urge Senator Reid to take up this legislation and set a goal for Congress to get this bill to your desk within the next two months.

    Workplace Rules

    On Tuesday night you stated:

    A mother deserves a day off to care for a sick child or sick parent without running into hardship – and you know what, a father does, too. It’s time to do away with workplace policies that belong in a ‘Mad Men’ episode.

    Since 1938, federal law has prohibited hourly workers in the private-sector from electing to take compensatory time (also known as “comp time”) in lieu of overtime pay. In 1985, Congress changed the law to give state and local government workers the right to elect to receive comp time in lieu of overtime pay. Comp time gives mothers and fathers who are hourly workers the flexibility to take a day off to care for a sick child or parent without seeing a reduction in their pay. It is wrong that federal law from the pre-“Mad Men” era denies these mothers and fathers this flexibility. And it is especially wrong that federal law gives this flexibility to government employees but not private sector employees.

    Last May, the House passed the Working Families Flexibility Act to fix this injustice. At the time, your Administration released a statement saying that your senior advisors would recommend that you veto the bill “in its current form.” In light of your comments on Tuesday night, we ask you to revisit this decision. We further request that if you have specific concerns about the legislative text, we meet at your earliest convenience to discuss those differences. Working moms and dads deserve action now, not more delay.

    Federally-funded Research

    On Tuesday night you stated:

    Federally-funded research helped lead to the ideas and inventions behind Google and smartphones. That’s why Congress should undo the damage done by last year’s cuts to basic research so we can unleash the next great American discovery – whether it’s vaccines that stay ahead of drug-resistant bacteria, or paper-thin material that’s stronger than steel.

    We agree. More must be done to prioritize limited federal funds towards basic research and medical research. That is why the House overwhelmingly passed the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act which would eliminate public funding for political party conventions and instead fund pediatric research at the NIH. This week, Senators Kaine, Warner, and Hatch announced that they will introduce the companion bill in the Senate. Our goal is to get this bill to your desk for your signature within the month. But this bill is just a first step. We should, in a bipartisan fashion, seek out other lower priority programs where funds can be reprogrammed to medical research. We ask that the appropriate members of your Administration be tasked with meeting with the relevant Members of the House and Senate to identify these opportunities so that we may act this year to make these critical investments in our nation’s future.

    Mr. President, as you reminded us all on Tuesday night, sometimes things don’t come easy, but we should never give up and never quit. We haven’t given up on working with you to find areas of common agreement where we can do good things for the American people. There is no reason that we cannot accomplish our objectives in these areas of common agreement, and we are confident that success in these areas will open even more avenues for success. The American people are counting on us. Let’s get to work.

    Sincerely,

    John A. Boehner
    Speaker

    Eric Cantor
    Majority Leader

    Kevin McCarthy
    Whip

    Cathy McMorris-Rodgers
    Conference Chair

    Comments(0)

  • 1/30/14

    5 Things You Need to Know About the Farm Bill

    As your Representative in Congress, I am committed to ensuring that the agriculture industry in Eastern Washington remains strong. Just last week, the House of Representatives passed the Agriculture Act of     2014, giving Eastern Washington’s farmers, ranchers, and growers the certainty of a new five-year farm bill – one that maintains our commitment to rural America while improving the efficiency of many programs.   Here are five things you need to know about this legislation:

            1. Protects Farmers and Growers by strengthening Crop Insurance Programs

    In Washington State, agriculture has an annual total economic impact of $16 billion dollars. In Eastern Washington, family wheat farms generate nearly $925 million in production value to the State’s economy while creating thousands of jobs. It’s important that we provide them with the necessary tools to produce a safe and reliable food supply, as well as the certainty of crop insurance.

    2. Provides one year of full funding for the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) Program

    PILT is an essential program that compensates rural counties for lost revenue from tax-exempt federal lands within their boundaries.PILT funding is vital to Ferry, Stevens and Pend Oreille counties and  helps provide funding for services that are vital to community safety, education, and transportation.

    3. Continues and enhances critical agriculture research

    The bill helps leverage public and private dollars to continue and enhance critical agriculture research, which is important to Washington State University, an institution know for its exceptional and ground-breaking research. The bill also provides key funding for agriculture research related to specialty crops—crops that are vital to Washington State.

    4. Promotes health and active management of America’s forests

    The bill provides certainty to forest products by clarifying that forest roads should not be treated as point source under the Clean Water Act. By including language addressing forest roads, it is my hope that this will finally resolve the issue, help promote jobs and encourage investments in our timber industry that will contribute to growing our economy in Eastern Washington.

    5. Maintains critical assistance for families while stopping fraud and misuse to achieve savings in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

    By making common-sense reforms to strengthen program integrity and accountability, savings are reached without removing anyone from the SNAP program and will ensure that every person receives the benefits they are intended to get under the current rules of the program.

    The farm bill is a high priority for our agricultural community and I’ve been a strong advocate for getting a new farm bill signed into law. With this important vote by the House, I am more confident than ever that it will get done this year, which will be a great victory for Eastern Washington’s largest industry.

    Comments(0)

  • 12/31/13

    Getting Results for Eastern Washington in 2014

    As 2013 comes to a close, I would like to take the opportunity to wish you all a Happy New Year. When I reflect on the last 12 months, I recognize the will, the fight and the determination of the people in Eastern Washington. It’s been a busy year in Congress, addressing several big issues - from the federal budget, to health care and tax reform – and I will continue to work to make life easier for you and your neighbors. Hardworking Americans deserve better and I am committed to addressing our country’s challenges as opportunities to reach our goals.

    JOBS

    Our state is the home to so many prosperous, innovative and successful businesses – and we need to make sure the economic climate is one in which they can continue to thrive. We need to keep big employers here in Eastern Washington, but remain focused on the growth of small businesses, which make up over 40% of employees in Washington. The way we do that is through pro-growth economic solutions that decrease government intervention and unnecessary regulations – so employers are encouraged to expand, not forced to cut back.

    NORTH-SPOKANE CORRIDOR

    The North-Spokane Corridor is critical for economic stability and growth in Eastern Washington. By completing this project, we can improve the flow of traffic, enhance economic development by facilitating the transportation of goods, and provide better conditions to make our roads safer. I am working closely with Chairman Bill Shuster and other state and local transportation leaders to ensure that we complete what we started and finish the North Spokane Corridor.

    FARM BILL

    Growing up on a family orchard, I understand the role that agriculture plays in our community. Family wheat farms are one of the largest economic drivers of jobs in Eastern Washington, generating nearly $1 billion in production value. As such, I am committed to passing a five-year farm bill that gives our farmers and ranchers the certainty they need.

    VETERANS AND OUR MILITARY COMMUNITY

    Fairchild Air Force Base is the region’s largest employer and I am focused on expanding the current mission of Fairchild as well as investing in opportunities to grow the current tanker mission. As Co-Chair of the Congressional Military Family Caucus, I understand that when a service member joins the military, it is not just a job—it’s a family commitment to our country. As such, I am committed to providing support for our military families as they face issues surrounding education, spousal employment, and financial readiness. I’m also committed to address to VA backlog issue that plagues our local veterans.

    IMMIGRATION

    It is no secret that our immigration system is broken and in need of real solutions, but it would be irresponsible for me to consider an Obamacare-style overhaul that no one understands and that won’t fix the problem. Rather, Congress should focus on common-sense step-by-step reforms that secure our border, modernize our visa programs creating a workable agriculture guest worker program, and recognize the efforts of those who have come to this country through proper channels. It is my hope that together we can achieve an immigration system that works for those seeking greater opportunity in America and makes certain Eastern Washington continues to attract the best and brightest to remain competitive in the future.

    TAX REFORM

    I believe we need to reform America’s tax reform code. It’s much too complicated and is the primary reason for the wide tax gap that exists today. I will continue to advocate for policies that unleash the power of free markets and American ingenuity. I will also continue to oppose policies that punish hard-working taxpayers for their success. History has shown that, higher tax rates do not equate to more tax revenues for the government.

    HEALTH CARE

    Since the launch of Obamacare, I’ve heard countless stories from all over Eastern Washington of real, everyday Americans that have been hurt by the President’s health care law. I’m actively seeking out ways to get people in Eastern Washington better access to quality health care. Recently, the President signed my billto establish a pediatric research network allowing hospitals and medical institutions to pool their resources together and coordinate activities related to pediatric rare diseases or birth defects. I’ve also co-sponsored two telehealth bills to provide access to more doctors in our rural communities.

    These are some of my top priorities in 2014. There’s a lot to get working on and a lot to look forward to. I wish the best for you and your families and please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.

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  • 11/25/13

    Bolstering American-made Energy

    This past week was a busy week for energy legislation in the House. We passed several bills to create jobs and enhance America's energy security.  Energy legislation is a priority of mine in Congress because I believe it’s time we say YES to American-made energy!  I believe that producing more American energy will lower prices, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, strengthen our national security, and raise revenue to help tackle our nation’s deficit and create new jobs for people in Eastern Washington.

    • H.R. 1965 - The Federal Lands Jobs and Energy Security Act

      • This bill unleashes America’s energy production and creates new jobs by streamlining the federal permitting process and opening up proven energy reserves. Costly litigation, endless red-tape, and burdensome bureaucratic processes are often the biggest obstacles to energy production and job creation: In fact, since President Obama took office in 2009, total federal oil production is down 7.8 percent and federal natural gas production is down 21 percent.  While in recent years, America has experienced an energy renaissance, all of the increase in U.S. oil and natural gas production has been on state and private land, not federal land.  This bill seeks to reverse this trend by creating an efficient and effective process to responsibly produce both renewable and conventional energy on our federal lands.  

    • H.R. 2728 - The Protecting States' Rights to Promote American Energy Security Act

      • This bill will protect jobs and American energy production by limiting the Administration’s ability to impose duplicative regulations on hydraulic fracturing on federal lands.  For the last sixty years, states have been successfully and safely regulating hydraulic fracturing.  As such, this bill prohibits the Interior Department from enforcing federal hydraulic fracturing regulations in any state that already has regulations.  I believe that a “one size fits all” approach does not work and I want  states to have the ability to craft responsible regulation to meet the unique needs of their states. This bill does that.  

    • H.R. 1900  - The Natural Gas Pipeline Permitting Reform Act

      • This bill makes commonsense reforms to the permitting process for interstate natural gas pipelines, sets reasonable deadlines for review, and holds agencies accountable.  As America seeks to become energy independent, I believe Congress should be doing everything possible to reduce red tape and delays in building safe natural gas pipelines.  This bill does just that-it paves the way for job growth in Eastern Washington’s energy industry.

    Reliable and affordable energy are essential to running a business and fueling economic growth and competitiveness. In Eastern Washington, energy prices affect everyone - from community college students who have to put gas in their car to drive to class, to seniors struggling to heat their homes, to families forced to pay higher prices at the grocery store, all of us feel the crunch when energy prices rise. It is time to end the over-regulation and endless red-tape coming from Washington, DC. It is time to end the Administration’s constant attacks on American energy production. We need real solutions that promote American energy production and create new American jobs. This past week, I supported these three bills to encourage economic growth in Eastern Washington to help make our nation energy independent.

    I am committed to developing an energy strategy that is based on our domestic energy supply and makes energy  affordable for people in Eastern Washington.

     

     

     

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